The Song of Bernadette begins with the classic quote, "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necesary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible."

That having been said, one need not be religious to enjoy this film. What makes the movie so enjoyable is that it contains man's universal struggle with religion and his sense of meaning. Vincent Price does an excellent job of portraying the fatalistic expert, while Church officials are accurately protrayed as questioners - but not outright denyers - of the possibility of miraculous events.

Jennifer Jones is fantastic, and accurately portrays the reported humble nature of St. Bernadette.

Definitely one to see at least once.

Braunbeck does a fantastic job with what he sets out to do in this book. The fairy-tale presentation of the back story really is a unique, fresh method.

One never knows until the end, if the mysterious forces behind the action are good or evil, and one struggles along with the protagonist.

If I have one criticism of this book, it's that it doesn't give me enough of the mythological background hinted at in the story. It wets my appetite, but doesn't go all the way.

Still, it's a fantastic read and definitely worth the money.

Even though we often overlook the fact, Augustine is full of common-sense, every day spiritual instruction. That's what makes this book so valuable in the end. Every daily meditation contains a selection from Augustine, followed by a prayer.

This compact book is bound in brown faux leather, containing one purple ribbon for keeping place. The printing is attractive, with standard Catholic Book Publishing fonts. The cover is relatively plain save the title and a decorative cross. It's a rather attractive book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a minute or two daily with St. Augustine.

One of the biggest problems for anyone attempting a spiritual, prayerful life, exactly how to go about praying is a problem. The obvious vocal, ritualistic prayers are simple enough and Christians utilize this method fully, but a true spiritual relationship is difficult to develop.

That's why Keating's work is important. He shows us a method we might utilize towards that end. My primary hang-ups and questions considering contemplative and centering prayer were entirely addressed by this work, and there's no doubt in my mind that I'd recommend it to anyone looking to further their prayer life.

In answer to some of the previous negative reviews, let me just state that this book is by no means a "stand alone" work. While one can read this novel and enjoy it just the same, there will be some questions left unanswered. This was the author's intent; "The Gunslinger" is Book 1 in a series that will eventually span to 7, the series being finished a year from now. The questions and difficulties people might encounter by reading "The Gunslinger" are answered in full as the series progresses down the line.

As an avid fan of King's, I do not hesitate to call "The Gunslinger" and the rest of The Dark Tower series his finest contribution to popular fiction. This is my "Lord of the Rings," since I began reading the series as a boy and it has never left my imagination.

The Gunslinger - Roland - is a truly mythic hero with a complicated persona, one that will keep the reader thinking and ultimately waiting to learn more.

If you read this book and it hooks you in any way, then continue on with "The Drawing of the Three." You won't be dissatisfied.

Fr. Groeschel seems to empathize with the average individual who makes an attempt to read St. Augustine. The language can be difficult as the author exemplifies, and deciphering various translations can make an already lofty subject seem even more complex.

This book is extremely humble in composition; Groeschel knows that his primary audience isn't the theologian, and his writings on Augustine are extremely accessible.

If you've read Augustine and want a more full, deep understanding of his writings, give this book a read.

For the beginner, praying the Divine Office is tough. As a result, many (like myself) might not want to go out and spend a large amount of money on the four larger official books that make up the Office used by priests and religious until certain that this kind of prayer is of benefit.

For the novice, then, this work is excellent.

One caution, however: this book is difficult to navigate at first. It does take time to set the ribbons where they need to be, but an easy read through the introductory sections can alleviate some of the burden. I'd also recommend that you run over to the Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate website and view their free texts to make sure that you are indeed saying the Office correctly, since they have everything laid out in full on each individual prayer.

Overall, a wonderful selection for anyone looking to pray the major hours.

While this movie doesn't exactly revolutionize the horror genre, it does persevere through horrid moments by use of humor. Unfortunately, this humor is really childish in some places.

If you're in to campy horror, give it a shot. But even then, don't expect too much.

I will be the first to admit that I had high expectations for Jonathan Franzen's work. What with the Oprah controversy and the National Book Award honors, I expected this to be a striking piece of literature.

While it's definitely not one of those striking pieces of genius that shatters the reader to the core, it is definitely a brilliant work. The Corrections has a way of gripping you tightly, as it explores the inner-workings of individuals that Franzen very carefully explores. It's one of those novels that holds on and won't let go.

Is it as pretentious as Franzen seems? Probably. But does that diminish it's value? Not at all.